Trends for Spring

When you've seen as many runway shows and presentations for the Spring 2013 collections as we have, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the deluge of style. That’s why we took a step back, compared notes, and decided that no matter how unique the designer or creative the collection, there were clear and common themes that emerged for the season. Here are the stand out trends for spring—and tips for wearing them right now.

Bold Accessories

Designers really went after this trend with neon kicks, unique hand-painted details, and bags big enough to fit your entire bag collection. For you, start small to liven up your look in a big way. Or if you’re accessory shy, take it down a notch, and make it your own, with the simple addition of a bright watch or colored shoelaces.

Photo: Tommy Hilfiger

Next »

Slide 2/22

Bold Accessories

Photo: Esquivel

Next »

Slide 3/22

Bold Accessories

Photo: Salvatore Ferragamo

Next »

Slide 4/22

Athletic Elements

When Ryan Lochte and Russell Westbrook start dotting the front row, it’s tough to ignore the mash up of athletics (and athletes in the form of Olympians and NBA and NFL stars this season) and fashion. Now, designers are making it easy to capture the sporty look without looking gym-bound. Make it work sans sweat in crisp windbreakers, sweatshirts, rugby stripes, and striped track pants.

Photo: J. Press

Next »

Slide 5/22

Athletic Elements

Athletic Elements

Photo: Prada

Next »

Slide 7/22

Military

Here’s a secret: you’ll always be in style if you add a little military to your wardrobe. It’s an enduring trend in men’s clothing that never really leaves because it’s always masculine and very cool. Whether you choose the camouflage shorts at J. Crew and Mark McNairy, the olive tone suits of Todd Snyder or the anoraks at Burberry Prorsum, the key to rocking the military movement is the fit. So leave those enormous fatigues from the Army/Navy store in the attic and aim for some of these.

Photo: Burberry Prorsum

Next »

Slide 8/22

Military

Photo: Todd Snyder

Next »

Slide 9/22

Military

Photo: John Varvatos

Next »

Slide 10/22

Denim Jacket

The 80s called . . . to re-introduce us to the trusty denim jacket. Sure it might remind you of The Outsiders, but you’ll look very insider-y if you know how to wear it. Billy Reid offered his version lightened up in barely blue for spring while Calvin Klein took it to extremes in acid wash. Our favorite versions were the distressed ones found at Gilded Age, worn casually with plaid shirts and distressed denim. Or, elevating denim into an elegant layering piece, Brunello Cucinelli made the humble jacket luxe by adding it under a cashmere vest.

Photo: Gilded Age

Next »

Slide 11/22

Denim Jacket

Photo: Calvin Klein

Next »

Slide 12/22

Denim Jacket

Color Blocking

Designers took to the runway to debunk the belief that two solid colors should only be worn together on one shirt for game day. For many, it was a reference to artists like Piet Mondrian or Ellsworth Kelly. Try it first in subtle tones, like Richard Chai did, or for more inventive dressing, take a cue from J. Crew for color-blocking in bright, primary shades of summer.

Photo: Richard Chai

Next »

Slide 14/22

Color Blocking

Photo: J. Crew

Next »

Slide 15/22

Color Blocking

Photo: General Idea

Next »

Slide 16/22

Stripes

Stripes streaked across some unexpected places for spring. The full-on striped suits at Tommy Hilfiger were a bit bold, but subtler striations could be found on traditional ties at Parke & Ronen and button-up shirts at Dolce & Gabbana. Embrace it this spring. Even if it’s a pattern you can get behind, like any other trend, play it safe by limiting yourself to one or two striped pieces, or by sticking with a simple lightly pinstriped suit (i.e. one that doesn’t make you look like Beetlejuice).

Photo: Tommy Hilfiger

Next »

Slide 17/22

Stripes

Photo: Parke & Ronen

Next »

Slide 18/22

Stripes

Photo: Dolce & Gabbana

Next »

Slide 19/22

Primary Colors

While electric shades dominated the runways last spring and eventually progressed to the stately jewel tones this fall, straightforward pops of primary will lighten up the color trend this spring. They look especially crisp with white, as seen at Lacoste and Nautica; and black, as seen at Michael Kors. Or, if you’ve really got some brass, in a solid suit, as seen at Gucci.